Bishop of Lampedusa, Italy, says the Pope's visit to the Island on 8th July will cement solidarity with the refugees

Pope Francis will travel to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on July 8th to pray for immigrants who died while trying to reach Europe. A statement released by the Holy See press office on Monday said the Pope was deeply touched by the recent sinking of a boat carrying migrants from Africa, the latest of a series of similar tragedies. Over the last decade, the island of Lampedusa has been a main gateway for migrants, particularly from Africa, seeking to enter Europe. The Holy Father will pray for those who lost their lives at sea and visit survivors and refugees. He will also encourage the inhabitants of Lampedusa and appeal to their responsibility to ensure that proper care is given to the refugees. Charles Collins has more details.